Well, it happened again. After this little horror episode in my life last December, I had hoped that the problem with my sinus was cured.

No such luck.

Last Thursday, an hour before I would have left work, a blood vessel ruptured way up in my sinus cavity, (probably that same one…), and I had to go to the hospital again.

I’ve since spent this beautiful riding weekend flat on my back in bed, with not just one, but TWO horrible devices shoved up my nose, like a pair of fists balled up behind my eyeballs, putting constant pressure on the bleed until I can get in for surgery Monday morning. This is the kind of pain that can drive you mad, were it not for the Percoset and Valium thoughtfully prescribed by my doctor.

The surgery they are going to perform tomorrow has me a little freaked-out. Apparently, to fix this problem near the top of my head, they have to start by inserting something into an artery in my groin? Then, under the guidance of x-rays, they will undergo the Fantastic Voyage all the way up to the faulty vessel, where they will plug that sucker up for good.

The procedure is called “Embolization”, and I have Googled it enough to give me nightmares. I’m REALLY not looking forward to this…

What if they miss the target? The only thing back-stopping it is my brain! What if they kick loose a couple of little blood clots along the way and send them upstairs?

The same imagination which allows me to write like I do can be a real curse in these situations.

Never mind. I hope to be back to work on Wednesday or Thursday of next week, and hopefully this blog will resume normal operations next weekend. Until then…

Wish me luck.

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Dude! I stop reading for a few weeks (been busy ridin’) and this is what I come back to? So Sorry to hear this… Knowledge might be power, but not where a future medical procedure is concerned! In the medical field these days, just about everything must start with the groin for some reason. Personally, I believe that the smart S&M afficianados that used to go into Dentistry have moved into “real” medicine. (No complaints from the Dental field, please. Notice the quotes around ‘real’.)

As I type this, you are probably recovering and “resting comfortably” as they say. I close by wishing you Godspeed on your recovery, and DON’T YOU KNOW YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO DO THIS STUFF DURING THE WINTER SO YOU DON’T LOSE AS MUCH RIDING TIME?!?!?

Gary,
By the time you read this, you’ll be well on your way to a full and speedy recovery. Surprises like these tend to keep the smaller problems in perspective, while at the same time shedding new light on all the positives in our lives. You da man, man.
Bob

DAY-um! I guess it COULD be worse. They could remove your face to get at your sinuses, stitch it back after. They wanted to ream-and-clean my sinuses that way a few years ago. I said, “No, but thanks all the same.” They said they would fix my devitated septum, on the way out. I said “I’ll just have to remain as ugly as ever.” I get buy with nasal injections that are much like gasoline.

Surgery sounds like a relief, considering the current treatment, however.

Thanks everybody for your prayers and well-wishes. The surgery was successful, and I am back at work today. Sore as hell, of course, but the narcotics tend to have a damping effect on Existential Gravity. Hey, if I screw up, I’ve got a good excuse, right? “Sorry man, I was on drugs…”

So, I rode Vespa Rose to work this morning, and will continue that until my groin doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s much less physically demanding. But Frogwing and I are going up to Duluth, Minnesota to visit Jason Fierst and the Aerostich Gang, weekend after next.

Part II of the Blind Lizard saga will be posted on Sunday, but other than that, I am going to lay low for a few days and nurse my wounds. We should be back up to full speed again next week. Until then…

Goodl Lord man! I wish you well on a speedy and complete recovery ohmygosh. You’re in my prayers too, m’friend.

Paul Streeter I want to thank you for the advice on the helmet. I did the goofiest thing and bought one online. It fits about as well and a hlemt can that isn’t a Shoei. Man did I get lucky.
Thanks for the advice.